M01 Safely in Construction

Structural construction work
Level-I
Based on Curriculum
Module Title: Working Safely in the Construction

Industry
Module code: EIS SCW1 01 0322
Nominal duration: 25 Hour
Version 1 March 2021

Prepared by: Ministry of Labor and Skill
April, 2022
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Table of Content
Acknowledgment..............................................................................................................4
Acronym..............................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Introduction to the Module............................................................................................6
Module Instruction.........................................................................................................7
Unit one: OHS legislative requirements.................................................................8
1.1. OHS work instruction.......................................................................................9
1.1.1. Industry OHS Standards and Guidelines..............................................10
1.1.2.Health and Safety representatives.........................................................11
1.1.3. Safe work practice.................................................................................13
1.1.4. Training for Construction Work.............................................................14
1.1.5. National safety Standards.....................................................................15
1.1.6. OHS and Welfare Acts and regulations.................................................16
1.1.7. Safety Codes of practice.......................................................................16
1.2. Duty of care requirements..............................................................................17
1.3. Safe work practice..........................................................................................19
1.3.1General Safety Rules (safe working practices).......................................19
1.3.2. Smoking in designated area..................................................................21
1.3.3. Storage and removal of debris..............................................................21
Fig After sorting materials.............................................................................23
Self check-1...........................................................................................................25
Unit Two: construction hazards and control measures.........................................27

2.1. Basic principles of risk management................Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.1.1.BASIC PRINCIPLES OF RISK ASSESSMENT.....................................27
2.2. Common construction hazards.......................................................................29
2.2.1.Hazards, Their Potential Effects and Their Control................................29
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Skills Industry April, 2022
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2.3. Control Measures of hazards and risks..........................................................31
something with the potential to cause harm.................................................................36
Self check-2...........................................................................................................36
Operation sheet 2.1 Identifying Basic principles of risk management...................37
Operation sheet 2.2. Identifying common construction hazards............................37
Unit Three: OHS communication and reporting processes..................................38

3.1.OHS communication........................................................................................38
3.1.1.OHS Documents....................................................................................40
3.1.2.OHS Notice boards................................................................................40
3.1.3.Other Methods of OHS Communication.................................................41
3.1.4.Electronic Communication via Email, Websites.....................................41
3.1.5.Hazard and Incident Reports.................................................................41
3.2. Role of designated OHS personnel................................................................42
3.2.1.Supervisors............................................................................................42
3.2.2. Individuals (Staff Members, Students)..................................................43
3.2.3.Safety Officers........................................................................................43
3.3.Safety signs and symbols................................................................................44
3.3.1. Safety Symbols and Their Meanings.....................................................44
3.4. Procedures and relevant authorities for reporting hazards,............................51
Self check-3...........................................................................................................53
Unit Four: OHS incident response procedures........................................................54

4.1. Procedures for responding to incidents and emergencies..............................55
4.1.1.Evacuation............................................................................................. 57
4.1.2. OHS procedures................................................................................... 62
4.1.3.Emergency response procedures..........................................................63
4.2. Procedures for first aid................................................................................... 65
4.3. PPE requirements.......................................................................................... 67
4.4. Fire safety equipment.....................................................................................68
Self check-4...........................................................................................................72

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Acknowledgment
Ministry of Labor and Skills wish to extend thanks and appreciation to the many representatives of
TVET instructors and respective industry experts who donated their time and expertise to the
development of this Teaching, Training and Learning Materials (TTLM).

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Acronym
OSH.............................Occupational safety and health

OH...............................Occupational health and safety
WHS............................workplace health and safety
WHO .......................... World Health Organization
PPE .............................personal protective equipment
SWP.............................Safe work practices
WHMIS.......................Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
HCS ............................Hazard Communication Standard
GHS.............................Globally Harmonized System
CO............................... carbon dioxide

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Introduction to the Module
In Structural construction works Level filed; OHS requirements are legislation/regulations/codes of
practice and enterprise safety policies and procedures. This may include protective clothing and
equipment, use of tooling and equipment, workplace environment and safety, handling of material, use
of fire-fighting equipment, enterprise first aid, hazard control and hazardous materials and substances.
Structural construction works Level filed.
This module is designed to meet the industry requirement under the irrigation and drainage occupational
standard, particularly for the unit of competency: Working Safely in the Construction Industry
This module covers the units:
 OHS legislative requirements
 construction hazards and control measures
 OHS communication and reporting processes
 OHS incident response procedures

Learning Objective of the Module
 Identify OHS legislative requirements
 follow construction hazards and control measures
 Identify OHS communication and reporting processes
 Identify OHS incident response procedures

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Module Instruction
For effective use this modules trainees are expected to follow the following module instruction:
1. Read the information written in each unit
2. Accomplish the Self-checks at the end of each unit
3. Perform Operation Sheets which were provided at the end of units
4. Do the “LAP test” giver at the end of each unit and
5. Read the identified reference book for Examples and exercise

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Unit one: OHS legislative requirements
This unit is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the following content
1.1. OHS work instruction

coverage and topics:
 Construction Industry OHS Standards and Guidelines
 Health and Safety representatives.
 safe work practice
 National Code of Practice Training for Construction Work
 National safety Standards
 OHS and Welfare Acts and regulations.
 Safety Codes of practice
 duty of care requirements
 Access to site amenities
 Smoking in designated area
 Storage and removal of debris
This unit will also assist you to attain the learning outcomes stated in the cover page.
Specifically, upon completion of this learning guide, you will be able to:
 Identify Construction Industry OHS Standards and Guidelines
 Apply Health and Safety representatives.
 Apply safe work practice
 Apply National Code of Practice Training for Construction Work
 Apply National safety Standards
 Apply OHS and Welfare Acts and regulations.
 Apply Safety Codes of practice
 Apply duty of care requirements
 Apply safe work practices
 Access to site amenities
 Smoking in designated area
 Storage and removal of debris

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OHS requirements are legislation/regulations/codes of practice and enterprise safety policies and
procedures. This may include protective clothing and equipment, use of tooling and equipment,
workplace environment and safety, handling of material, use of fire-fighting equipment, enterprise first
aid, hazard control and hazardous materials and substances.
Personal protective equipment includes those prescribed under legislation/ regulations/codes of practice
and workplace policies and practices. Safe operating procedures include the conduct of operational risk
assessment and treatments associated with workplace organization. Emergency procedures include
emergency shutdown and stopping of equipment, extinguishing fires, enterprise first aid requirements
and site evacuation.
Occupational safety and health (OSH) also commonly referred to as occupational health and safety
(OHS) or workplace health and safety (WHS) is an area concerned with the safety, health and welfare
of people engaged in work or employment. The goals of occupational safety and health programs
include fostering a safe and healthy work environment. OSH may also protect co-workers, family
members, employers, customers, and many others who might be affected by the workplace
environment. In the United States the term occupational health and safety is referred to as occupational
health and occupational and non-occupational safety and includes safety for activities outside work.
Occupational safety and health can be important for moral, legal, and financial reasons. In common-law
jurisdictions, employers have a common law duty (reflecting an underlying moral obligation) to take
reasonable care for the safety of their employees. Statute law may build upon this to impose additional
general duties, introduce specific duties and create government bodies with powers to regulate
workplace safety issues: details of this will vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Good OSH practices
can also reduce employee injury and illness related costs, including medical care, sick leave and
disability benefit costs.
As defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) "occupational health deals with all aspects of
health and safety in the workplace and has a strong focus on primary prevention of hazards." Health has
been defined as "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence
of disease or infirmity. Occupational health is a multidisciplinary field of healthcare concerned with
enabling an individual to undertake their occupation, in the way that causes least harm to their health. It
contrasts, for example, with the promotion of health and safety at work, which is concerned with
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preventing harm from any incidental hazards, arising in the workplace.
1.1.1. Industry OHS Standards and Guidelines
Workplaces under the jurisdiction are governed by your provincial legislation. The legislation places
duties on owners, employers, workers, suppliers, the self- employed and contractors, to establish and
maintain safe and healthy working conditions. The legislation is administered by your provincial
legislation. Your officials are responsible for monitoring compliance
 Guidance
Effective OHS regulation requires that Work Safe provides clear, accessible advice and guidance about
what constitutes compliance with the Act and Regulations. This can be achieved through Compliance
Codes, Work Safe Positions and non-statutory guidance ("the OHS compliance framework"). For a
detailed explanation of the OHS compliance framework, see the Victorian Occupational Health and
Safety Compliance Framework Handbook.
 Policy
Not every term in the legislation is defined or explained in detail. Also, sometimes new circumstances
arise (like increases in non-standard forms of employment, such as casual, labour hire and contract
work, or completely new industries with new technologies which produce new hazards and risks) which
could potentially impact on the reach of the law, or its effective administration by Work Safe. Therefore,
from time to time Work Safe must make decisions about how it will interpret something that is referred
to in legislation, or act on a particular issue, to ensure clarity. In these circumstances, Work Safe will
develop a policy. A policy is a statement of what Work Safe understands something to mean, or what
Work Safe will do in certain circumstances.
1.1.2. Health and Safety representatives

Duties of Employer
Employer is responsible for providing you with safe and healthy working conditions. This includes a
duty to protect you from violence, discrimination and harassment. You must cooperate with your
employer in making your workplace safe and healthy.

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Your Responsibilities
You must also comply with the legislation. You have responsibilities to: protect your own Health and
Safety and that of your co-workers; not initiate or participate in the harassment of another worker; and
co-operate with your supervisor and anyone else with duties under the legislation.
Your Rights
The legislation gives your three rights:
The right to know the hazards at work and how to control them ƒ
The right to participate in Occupational Health and Safety and Health & Safety Manual
The right to refuse work which you believe to be unusually dangerous. You may not be punished for
using these rights. An employer can be required to legally justify any action taken against a worker who
is active in Health and Safety.
Your Right To Know
The Act requires your employer to provide you with all the information you need to control the hazards
you face at work. For example, chemicals at the workplace must be listed. You are entitled to review
this list. Your employer must train you to safely handle the chemicals you will work with. If you are
inexperienced, you must receive an orientation which includes;
What to do in a fire or other emergency;
First aid facilities;
Prohibited or restricted areas;
Workplace hazards; and
Any other information you should know.
You must also be supervised closely by a competent supervisor
Your Right To Participate

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You have the right to become involved in occupational Health and Safety. The legislation encourages
employers and workers to work together to maintain a healthy and safe workplace. Employers at
workplaces with (ten or more – consult your provincial act) workers must set up an occupational health
committee of employer and worker representatives.
Committees Have Duties To:
Regularly inspect the workplace;
Conduct accident investigations;
Deal with the Health and Safety concerns of employees;
Investigate refusals to work;
Meet at least (four times a year – consult your provincial act); and return minutes of each meeting to the
Division
Your Right to Refuse
You have the right to refuse to do work which you believe is unusually dangerous. The unusual danger
may be to you or to anyone else. An unusual danger could include such things as:
A danger which is not normal for your occupation or the job
A danger under which you would not normally carry out your job ƒ
A situation for which you are not properly trained, equipped or experienced
To exercise this right, use the following guidelines.
Once you believe that the work you have been asked to do is unusually dangerous, you should inform
your supervisor. Make sure that the supervisor understands that you are refusing to do the disputed job
for health and safety reasons. Work with the supervisor to attempt to resolve the problem.
If the problem cannot be resolved by the supervisor to your satisfaction, and no worker health and safety
representative or occupational health committee exists at the workplace, your supervisor should phone
the Division and ask for advice. You also have the right to contact the Division at any time.

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The supervisor has the right to assign you to other work (at no loss in pay or benefits) until the matter is
resolved.
1.1.3. Safe work practice

Every workplace has hazards. As an employer, you have a legal responsibility to look after your
employees’ safety and protect them against health and safety hazards at work. In order to manage
workplace health and safety and help prevent accidents and sickness absence, it’s important to identify,
monitor and reduce the risk associated with workplace hazards.
Fig.1
What are workplace hazards?
Simply put, workplace hazards are any aspect of work that cause health and safety risks and have the
potential to harm.
Some hazards are more likely to be present in some workplaces than others, and depending on the work
that you do; there will be hazards that are more or less relevant to your business.
What are workplace hazards?
Simply put, workplace hazards are any aspect of work that cause health and safety risks and have the
potential to harm.
Some hazards are more likely to be present in some workplaces than others, and depending on the work
that you do; there will be hazards that are more or less relevant to your business.

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1.1.4. Training for Construction Work
 OHS induction training
OHS induction training’ means construction safety awareness training undertaken prior to
commencing construction work. OHS induction training includes general, site induction and task
specific training that meets the requirements of this Code and which is completed to the satisfaction of
the person delivering the training.
 Operational construction zone
‘Operational construction zone’ means the area on the site where construction work is undertaken,
which
generally does not include the site offices, amenities or designated delivery and plant service areas.
 Person with control of a construction project
‘Person with control of a construction project’ means a person, other than a client or a designer, who
has the authority to specify requirements for plant and materials and to determine work practices,
systems of work and appropriate measures to address health and safety risks arising from a
construction project. The person with control of a construction project is usually a person appointed by
the client to manage the project.
 Person with control of construction work
‘Person with control of construction work’ means a person, other than a client or a designer, who
has the authority to specify requirements for plant and materials and to determine work practices,
systems of work and appropriate measures to address health and safety risks arising from
construction work at a construction site.
1.1.5. National safety Standards
All employees and students who use tools as part of their job duties are required to follow these
guidelines. This is necessary in order to prevent accidents and injuries due to improper or abusive tool
use. Supervisors are responsible for training employees and students on how to use tools properly,
monitoring tool use, and ensuring its safe operation. Facility Management foremen and department
technicians shall perform yearly inspections on these tools to ensure their safe operation.
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All persons are required to use applicable personal protective equipment (PPE) while using any tools.
Check for working safety guards, shields, warning labels, and other devices.
Always choose the right tool for the job. Screwdrivers are not designed to be punches, chisels, or pry
bars.
When using cutting tools such as chisels, axes, knives, and saws, ensure that the cutting device is sharp.
Dull tools are more dangerous than sharp ones.
Visually inspect tools before using them. Cracked, bent, chipped, and otherwise broken tools shall be
repaired or discarded.
When working with electrical equipment, ensure that all metal hand tools are insulated to prevent
electrical shock.
1.1.6. OHS and Welfare Acts and regulations
 The Act
The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (the Act) is the cornerstone of legislative and
administrative measures to improve occupational health and safety in Victoria.
The Act sets out the key principles, duties and rights in relation to occupational health and safety. The
general nature of the duties imposed by the Act means that they cover a very wide variety of
circumstances, do not readily date and provide considerable flexibility for a duty holder to determine
what needs to be done to comply.

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1.2. Duty of care requirements
 The Regulations
The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007 are made under the Act. They specify the ways
duties imposed by the Act must be performed, or prescribe procedural or administrative matters to
support the Act, such as requiring licenses for specific activities, keeping records, or notifying certain
matters.
1.1.7. Safety Codes of practice

A code of practice is a practical guide on how to comply with the legal duties under the Work Safe work
practices (SWP) are usually written methods showing how to perform a task with minimum risk to
personnel, equipment, materials, environment and processes. These are guidelines like do’s and don’ts
but may not always be suitable when a new hazard been identified. Employees should know, understand
and follow the SWPs those are applicable to own work.
 Safe Work Practices (SWP)
Safe work practices (SWP) are developed as an outcome of a hazard assessment and these should
conform to the practices within the concerned industry. These guidelines help the workers to work in the
safest way unless a new hazard been identified. SWPs are not step by step procedures. As the new
workers are more prone to accidents at workplaces, they need to be trained more on SWP. An example
of SWP is placing a notice 'mind your steps’ at the beginning of a staircase.
The following features are helpful in implementing safe work practices at workplace:
 Induction training for new employees.
 Training on communication and teamwork during normal and emergency situation.
 Training on fire safety and emergency procedures.
 Training on hazard identification, risk control, use of personal protection equipment (PPE) and first
aid.
 Observation of ergonomics to reduce injuries to workers.
 Use and maintenance of appropriate tools for work and keeping them in good working condition.

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May include, but not limited to:
Legal responsibility under duty of care to do everything reasonably practicable to protect others from
harm
Own responsibilities to comply with safe work practices, including activities that require licences,
tickets or certificates of competency
relevant state OHS requirements, including employers and self-employed persons, persons in control of
the work site, construction supervisors, designers, manufacturers and suppliers, construction workers,
subcontractors and inspectors.
Manager/supervisor
The manager or supervisor is responsible for the health and safety of all employees within their working
area. The manager or supervisor must ensure all policies and procedures are followed according to
Occupational Health & Safety.
1.2.1. Duties/Responsibilities
 Manager or supervisors duties
The manager or supervisor has the following major duties and responsibility to ensure the health and
safety of its employee’s. These are:
1) Ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to prevent accidents.

2) Ensure that standards and procedures are developed and maintained.
3) Be familiar with the Occupational Health & Safety act and any revised regulations and ensure
they are followed.
4) Ensure that all employees are instructed in the procedures and requirements of Occupational
Health & Safety.
5) Review accident reports, safety audits and other related material relative to health or safety.
 Safety Officer

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1.3. Safe work practice
The Safety Officer has the following major duties and responsibility to ensure the health and safety of its
employee’s. These are:
1. Ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to prevent accidents.

2. Be familiar with Occupational Health & Safety act, the company policy and any other legislation
pertaining to health or safety.
3. Ensure all policies and legislation is followed by all levels of employees.
4. Ensure safety meetings are held and minutes are recorded, posted and filed accordingly to
Occupational Health & Safety regulations.
5. Ensure all accidents are reported and investigated.
6. Ensure MSDS sheets are provided for all hazardous materials delivered to the workplace and are
readily available for employees to review.
7. Review all MSDS and advise/train employees in the safe use, storage and transportation of
controlled or dangerous products including what to do in case of an accidental spill or emergency.
8. Ensure employees are instructed in the procedures and requirements of Occupational Health &
Safety.
9. Review all accidents and near misses to determine root and basic causes, with
suggestion/implementation of changes to prevent re-occurrence.
10. Ensure all employees are trained in WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Material Information
System)
 All Other Staff duties
The workers also have the responsibility to maintain their health and safety at the workplace area. These
are:
1) Comply with all Company Procedures, Safety Policy and requirements of Occupational Health & Safety.
2) Be responsible for working safely and carrying out their duties with skill and care as to not cause
accidental injury to themselves, fellow employees or the general public.
3) Immediately report all injuries, near misses or potential hazards to their supervisor.
4) Know the location of all fire extinguishers, fire alarms or other warning devices.
5) Ensure all personal safety equipment is being used properly.
6) Never engage in dangerous hazard area.
7) Maintain clean and orderly work area.
8) When in doubt…. ASK

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May include, but not limited to:
Access to site amenities, such as drinking water and toilets
General requirements for safe use of plant and equipment
General requirements for use of personal protective equipment and clothing
Housekeeping to ensure a clean, tidy and safer work area
No drugs and alcohol at work
Preventing bullying and harassment
Smoking in designated areas
Storage and removal of debris
1.1.8. General Safety Rules (safe working practices)

All accidents, injuries or near misses, regardless of their nature, shall be promptly reported to the safety
officer.
Clothing shall be appropriate to the duties being performed. Long pants, a clean neat shirt and steel
toed shoes are the minimum requirements.
Hard hats and safety vests are provided for all warehouse staff and must be worn at all times in the
warehouse, loading or unloading of vehicles in the yard.
Running is not permitted except in extreme emergencies.
Smoking is not permitted in any part of the warehouse or office. You may only smoke in designated
areas.
Visitors and customers are to be escorted by staff while on company property.
Hand tools are to be used for their intended purpose only.
Only licensed personnel may operate forklifts or other warehouse equipment and must wear a seatbelt
while doing so.
Riding on equipment is prohibited except where designated for operator.

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Horseplay, fighting or tomfoolery is strictly prohibited on Your Company Name premises.
All spacers are to be of equal proportion and undamaged. Damaged spacers are dangerous.
Open lifts are to be stored on the floor or in assigned bunks. Do not stack an open lift; this act will result
in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. All lumber lifts must be banded.
Only solid spacers are to be used on lumber products, no particle board spacers.
All bunked products will be placed securely in the bunks.
All spills will be immediately cleaned up and reported.
Drawers and filing cabinets will be kept closed when not in use.
Filing cabinet drawers are to be filled from the bottom up or the cabinet is to be securely fastened
/anchored.
Lifts and clutter will be cleaned up before the end of your workday.
Aisles are to be kept clear at ALL times.
Do not unload a truck alone under any circumstances, if someone cannot help you then wait or call
someone else for help
1.3.2. Smoking in designated area

Smoking in the workplace affects the health and income of the smoker. Scientific evidence has shown
that exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke is a potential source of the same illnesses as smokers are
liable to contract, such as cancer, heart and lung diseases. All air pollution caused by smoking is an
occupational health problem. This problem is more acute where the workers are exposed to other
dangerous substances, such as asbestos; or if the worker is particularly sensitive because of, for example,
asthma or pregnancy. In addition to being a health problem, smoking is a safety hazard. Explosions and
fires could often be avoided if smoking were prohibited. Lack of concentration during smoking and the
potential source of conflict between smokers and non-smokers also argue in favor of considering the
adoption of appropriate measures to deal with the phenomenon seriously.
There are also economic aspects to be considered when promoting smoke-free workplaces.
Smoking is a particular burden for low-income smokers because of the additional cost and the health

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effects of smoking. Employers and the society as a whole can also gain from cleaner air in terms of
increased productivity, lower maintenance costs, and lower health costs, among other benefits.
An important factor in the process of regulating smoking at work is the measurement of tobacco smoke
in the air. If the results from air measurement find high levels of pollutants, this can be used as an
argument for proponents of regulations, or as a tool by the ones who evaluate and control smoking
regulations. The most commonly used method is to survey the perceptions of workers, which does not
always produce an accurate result. More reliable measuring methods are often time-consuming and
costly.
1.3.3. Storage and removal of debris

Sorting generally involves loading materials onto an inclined metal belt a chain belt and passed across a
manual sort line consisting of a flexible rubber belt and integral sort stations providing a place for
several workers to stand, usually opposite from one another down the length of the belt. Materials are
identified, grabbed, and deposited in vertical openings at each sort station. The effectiveness of the
manual sort line is largely determined by the performance of the picking operation which precedes it; for
example large materials on the belt can be difficult to manage and or obstruct recoverable materials
passing by on the belt beneath
Remove all items from the workplace that are not needed for current production or administrative
operation.
Housekeeping: Stairways, walkways, scaffolds, gangways and access ways shall be kept free of building
material, tools, accumulated rubbish and obstructions.
Materials or equipment stored on the street, footpath and other public places with permission from the
proper Authority, and conforming to Sec 1.5.3, shall not interfere with vehicular traffic or pedestrians
on the highway or street. The piles shall be arranged to leave a safe walkway unobstructed for its full
length, and adequately lighted at night and at all other necessary times.
Material and equipment shall not be located within 7.5 m of a street intersection. These shall neither
be so placed as to obstruct normal observation of traffic signals nor to hinder the use of public
transit loading platforms.
Keep “only what is needed, only in the amount needed, and only when it is needed”.

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Why Sort is important?
Space, time, money, energy and other resources can be managed and used most effectively
Problem and hassle in the work flow are reduced.
Communication between employees is improved.
Product quality and Productivity is enhanced.
Fig. 2.

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Fig After sorting materials
Manual and Mechanical Material Handling
 What is material handling?
Manual material handling is the lifting, carrying or moving of materials, articles or things. Mechanical
materials handling is the movement of materials, articles or things by such means as lift trucks,
conveyors, or cranes and hoists.
found that the most common MSD orders issued were due to obstructions on floors interfering with safe
movement of materials; unsafe material lifting, carrying and moving; unsafe storage of material and lack
of examination of lifting devices.
Construction is a high hazard industry that comprises a wide range of activities involving construction,
alteration, and/or repair. Construction workers engage in many activities that may expose them to
serious hazards, such as falling from rooftops, unguarded machinery, being struck by heavy construction
equipment, electrocutions, silica dust, and asbestos.
The information, tools, and resources provided in these Construction Industry web pages are designed to
assist those in the industry - whether worker or employer - to identify, reduce, and eliminate
construction-related hazards.
storage requirement by classification of materials
Stored materials shall be separately stored under following classifications, with appropriate care
necessary precautions to each Classification:
a) Climatically Sensitive Materials

b) Durable Materials
c) Materials Vulnerable to Rough Handling
d) Inflammable and/or Fire Sensitive Materials
e) Hazardous Materials
Under each classification a list of commonly used materials are listed below. Other materials used but
not mentioned here shall be treated under one or more of the above listed classifications which most

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Self check-1
closely match the unlisted material.
Test-I Matching
Instruction: select the correct answer for the give choice. You have given 1 Minute for each question.
Each question carries 2 Point.
A B
---------1. OHS requirements A. means construction safety awareness
training undertaken prior to
commencing construction work.
---------2. (SWP) B. the workplace affects the health and
income of the smoker
---------3. training’ C. Safe work practice
---------4. (OSH)
---------5. Smoking D. Occupational safety and health
E. Legislation/regulations/codes of
practice and enterprise safety policies
and procedures.

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Test II: short Answer writing
Instruction: write short answer for the given question. You are provided 3 minute for each question and
each point has 5Points.
1. What the duets of employe ?
2. Write down at least four committee duties ?
3. What is OHS requirements?
4. What is safety ?
Note: Satisfactory rating – above 60% Unsatisfactory - below 60%

You can ask you teacher for the copy of the correct answers
Unit Two: construction hazards and control measures
This unit to provide you the necessary information regarding the following content coverage
and topics:
 Basic principles of risk management.
 Common construction hazards
 control Measures hazards and risks
This guide will also assist you to attain the learning outcomes stated in the cover page.
 Identify Basic principles of risk management.
 Identify and discuss Common construction hazards
 Identify control Measures hazards and risks

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 Definitions:
Hazard: something with the potential to cause harm. (This can include substances or machines,
methods of work and other aspects of work organization).
Risk: The likelihood that the harm from a particular hazard is realized. The extent of risk covers the
population which might be affected by a risk and that risk therefore reflects both the likelihood that
harms will be caused and its severity.
Risk Management: is a set of coordinated processes and activities that identify, monitor, assess,
prioritize, and control risks that an organization faces
2.1.1.BASIC PRINCIPLES OF RISK ASSESSMENT

It is recognized that in order to be considered competent to carry out risk assessment training will be
necessary.
Regulation 3(1) of the Management of Health and Safety at work Regulations 1999 requires that a
suitable and sufficient risk assessment is carried out.
 The general principles are to:
 Identify the hazards

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 Decide who might be harmed
 Evaluate the risks
 Decide whether existing controls are adequate
 Record findings
 Review assessment and revise if necessary
The risk assessment process needs to take account of the views of those involved in the activity being
assessed.
 A risk assessment should:
 Ensure significant risks and hazards are addressed

 Ensure all aspects of the work activity are reviewed
 Take account of non - routine operations e.g. maintenance, cleaning operations etc.
 Be systematic identifying hazards and looking at risks
 Take account of the way work is being organized and the effects this can have on health
 Take account of the risks to visitors and contractors
 Account should be taken of young persons and new and expectant mothers when carrying out
risk assessments and identify the preventive and protective measures that are required
 Risk Management
Three key elements of the RM process are risk assessment, risk management options, and risk
communication. These elements are interrelated and support one another, but rely on different sources
of information and therefore involve different groups of individuals. Assessment is focused on evidence
and science- based information. Evaluation and selection of risk management options further involves
policy and values-based information. Communication entails a two-way exchange of information about
science, values, and
perceptions. Successful RM and integration of these three elements depends on the Forest Service
clearly establishing organizational values and objectives, which we address first
Risk Assessment

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2.2. Common construction hazards
Risk Management
Risk
Options
Communication
Organizational Values and Objectives
Fig
2.2.1.Hazards, Their Potential Effects and Their Control

The occupational hazards to which health workers are exposed are well documented and generally fall
into the following six basic categories:
1. Biological or infectious hazards: These include infectious and biological agents such as bacteria,
viruses, fungi, or parasites that may be transmitted through contact with contaminated material or with
bodily fluids or secretions (examples of these hazards include the human immunodeficiency virus
[HIV]; hepatitis B and C viruses; tuberculosis bacillus).
Biological and infectious agents may be transmitted to a person through inhalation, injection, or by skin
contact. Sources include patients, asymptomatic carriers, or vectors such as rats, cockroaches, and
mosquitoes. The number of organisms in the environment, coupled with their virulence and a person’s
resistance to them, determine whether the person will contract the disease or not.
An infection control program should define the necessary policies, procedures, and practices in order to
minimize the risk of disease occurrence and transmission at a health care facility. This requires that
workers be consulted and that the effort is supported by all of management and staff.
2. Environmental hazards: An adequate water supply and a clean overall environment are basic for
protecting workers and patients in a health care center as asepsis and cleanliness are required for
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successful medical interventions. Adequate natural or artificial ventilation is essential to combat many of
the threats to workers’ health such as the transmission of tuberculosis and the exposure to anesthetic
gases. In addition, health care facilities generate contaminated water and hazardous solid waste that
require proper treatment, processing, and disposal. Ignoring these hazards would put workers and the
entire community at risk.
Most of the time, environmental hazards are generated by:

Inadequate supply, distribution, and availability of water for human consumption
 Air quality problems in confined spaces that aggravate chemical and biological hazards; and
 Improper handling of hazardous solid waste
3. Physical hazards: These hazards involve agents in the work environment such as radiation (X rays,
laser, etc.), electricity, extreme temperatures, and noise that can cause tissue damage and other injury.
Physical hazards that affect health workers include exposure to noise, vibration, ionizing and non-
ionizing radiation, and electricity. A systematic survey should be conducted in order to identify all
possible hazards. For the purposes of identification, an inspection can be conducted during the
installations with a properly trained person or a selected group representing the Health and Safety
Committee following consultations with workers in each area. All hazards and potential risks should be
identified and recorded.
4. Chemical hazards: These are various chemical substances that are toxic or irritating to the body
system, including medications, solvents, and gases (for example, ethylene oxide, anesthetic gas wastes).
5. Mechanical hazards: These factors in the work environment increase or augment the risk of
accidents, wounds, injury, or discomfort (e.g., poor lifting devices or inadequate equipment, slippery
floors, etc.).
Psychosocial hazards: These are factors and conditions associated with work tasks or working
environments that cause or augment the risk of stress, emotional strain, and interpersonal problems (e.g.,
stress, work shifts
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2.3. Control Measures of hazards and risks.
Risk: The likelihood that the harm from a particular hazard is realized. The extent of risk covers the
population which might be affected by a risk and that risk therefore reflects both the likelihood that
harms will be caused and its severity.
The risk assessment process needs to take account of the views of those involved in the activity being
assessed.
A risk assessment should:
Ensure significant risks and hazards are addressed
Ensure all aspects of the work activity are reviewed
Take account of non - routine operations e.g. maintenance, cleaning operations etc.
Be systematic identifying hazards and looking at risks
Take account of the way work is being organized and the effects this can have on health
Take account of the risks to visitors and contractors
Account should be taken of young persons and new and expectant mothers when carrying out risk
assessments and identify the preventive and protective measures that are required.
 Control Measures of risks

When considering what control measures are required the following steps can be used in ranking
order:
 eliminate the risk
 substitution (replacing existing chemical/substance with a safer alternative)
 Prevention (the use of fixed guards etc.)

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 safe system of work
 written working procedures
 information, instruction and training
 supervision
 PPE (personal protective equipment)
It may be necessary to combined several control methods in order to reduce the risks to an
acceptable level.
Note: PPE should only be used as a last resort after considering all other control methods. PPE can
also be used to protect against any residual risks that remain after other control methods have been
employed.
All PPE clothing and equipment should be of safe design and construction, and should be maintained in
a clean and reliable fashion. Employers should take the fit and comfort of PPE into consideration when
selecting appropriate items for their workplace. PPE that fits well and is comfortable to wear will
encourage employee use of PPE. Most protective devices are available in multiple sizes and care should
be taken to select the proper size for each employee. If several different types of PPE are worn together,
make sure they are compatible. If PPE does not fit properly, it can make the difference between being
safely covered or dangerously exposed. It may not provide the level of protection desired and may
discourage employee use.
 Selecting and checking PPE
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is used to protect an individual from hazards associated with
their work tasks or environment. Specific types of personal protective equipment include protective
clothing, eyewear, respiratory devices, protective shields, gloves, and hearing protection.
 Protective equipment that must be available
These include:
 Rubber gloves or leather gloves

 Overalls.
 Face shields.
 Face mask and ear protectors
 Steel capped boots/shoes

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 sunscreen lotion
 Some of the commonly used PPE include the following:
Eye protection (goggles)
It is required to use eye protection equipments like goggle, eye shield, to protect our eye from dusts,
chemicals, etc by all workers engaged in hazardous activities or are exposed to identify eye hazards.
Hand Protection (leather glove)
It is required to use appropriate hand protection when hands are exposed to hazards, such as:
 Skin absorption from harmful substances;

 Cuts, lacerations or abrasions;
 Chemical exposure;
 Thermal burns and/or temperature extremes
 Potentially infectious material.
Body Protection
Chemical Resistant Clothing: Protective apparel designed to provide a barrier against a variety of
chemical hazards. Chemical resistive clothing may be required for tasks where chemical splashing is
anticipated or large volume transfers are conducted. Prior to selection of chemical resistant clothing,
Laboratory Apparel and Scrub Suits: A wide variety of styles and materials are available to protect
employees during laboratory operations. The selected type of lab coat or other apparel is designed to
protect the wearer against accidental splashes or day-to-day handling of chemicals;

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Ear and Hearing Protection
Ear plugs and muffs are available for any employee potentially exposed to noise levels
Head protector (hard hat)
 Training Employees in the Proper Use of PPE

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Self check-2
Employers are required to train each employee who must use PPE. Employees must be trained to know
at least the following:
 When PPE is necessary

 What PPE is necessary?
 How to properly put on, take off, adjust and wear the PPE.
 The limitations of the PPE.
 Proper care, maintenance, useful life and disposal of PPE.
Employers should make sure that each employee demonstrates an understanding of the PPE training as
well as the ability to properly wear and use PPE before they are allowed to perform work requiring the
use of the PPE. If an employer believes that a previously trained employee is not demonstrating the
proper understanding and skill level in the use of PPE, that employee should receive retraining. Other
situations that require additional or retraining of employees include the following circumstances:
changes in the workplace or in the type of required PPE that make prior training obsolete. The employer
must document the training of each employee required to wear or use PPE by preparing a certification
containing the name of each employee trained, the date of training and a clear identification of the
subject of the certification.something with the potential to cause harm
Test-I Matching
A B
---------1. Hazard A. The likelihood that the harm from a
particular hazard is realized
---------2. Risk Management B.Something with the potential to cause
harm
---------3. Risk C.Personal protective equipment
---------4. (PPE) D. ethylene oxide, anesthetic gas wastes
---------5. Chemical hazards F. is a set of coordinated processes and
activities that identify, monitor,
assess, prioritize, and control risks
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2.1 Identifying
Operation sheet 2.2. IdentifyingBasic
commonprinciples of riskhazards
construction management
that an organization face
1. What is a Chemical hazard?
2. Write PPE?
3. What is Biological or infectious hazards?
4. What is the difference between Chemical hazard and Physical hazards?
5. What is the difference between risk and hazards?

Purpose:
To Control hazards and risk
Operation title: Techniques for Cleaning finished Pavers:
Step 1- wear PPE.
Step 2- select required tools and materials
Steps 3- clean the pavers with clean water.
Step 4- prepare diluting calciferous detergent with the ratio of 1:5 .
Step 4- scribe dirty things like ingrained and grease for 10-20 minutes.
Step 4- seal the surface by applying impregnator for 15 minutes.
Step 4- clean the impregnator with cleaned cloth.
Purpose: To Control hazards and risk

Operation title: - Identifying common construction hazards:

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3.1. OHS communication
Identifying common construction hazards Step
1- Select required tools and equipment.
Step 2- select and collect broken tools and equipments.
Steps 3- identify safe work place.
Step 4- use PPE.
Unit Three: OHS communication and reporting processes
This learning guide is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the
following content coverage and topics:
 OHS communication.
 Role of designated OHS personnel
 Safety signs and symbols
 Procedures and relevant authorities for reporting hazards
 Identifies communication.
 Identifies Role of designated OHS personnel
 Identify Safety signs and symbols
 Identify Procedures and relevant authorities for reporting hazards

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Communication is the process by which information is transmitted and understood between two or more
people. Audience: People or a group or people whom a communication is aimed. This may include staff,
students, visitors, contractors, external organizations and the general community.
Safety Personnel: Individuals in the workplace who have been elected or appointed to specific safety
roles. These include health and safety representatives, safety officers, bio-safety officers, radiation safety
officers, laser safety officers, first aid personnel and emergency wardens.
Responsibilities management /supervisor: is responsible for establishing a program to communicate

health and safety information.
Office of Occupational Health & Safety (OHS): is responsible for posting or making available OHS
materials specified in this procedure.
 OHS communication processes

Health and safety communication shall be conducted through but is not limited to the following media
(this also includes off-the-job safety):
 Central Safety Committee
 Letters/Memos to employees

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 Direct communication between supervisors, management and employees
 Safety talks
 Posters
 Visual Aids
 Bulletins
 Newsletters or booklets
 Payroll inserts
 Email and other such avenues to be used
 Off-the-job safety may include but is not limited to:
 Employee Assistance Program
 Health and wellness
 Vehicle safety
 Personal health and safety
 Health and safety for home, recreation and leisure
Management is responsible to ensure that health and safety be communicated to all employees in any of
the above media streams on a regular and ongoing basis. All health and safety communications are to be
documented by the trainer / communicator. This documentation must include:
 The health and safety topic covered
 The name(s) of employees in attendance for the training
 Date(s) of training or communication
 Who conducted the training
Topics for health and safety communication may be determined by analyzing (but is not limited to) the
following information:
o Incident trend analysis

o Investigation reports
o First aid reports
o Workplace inspection records
o Central Safety Committee minutes
o New safety legislation that recently has been introduced
o Ministry of Labor inspection reports
o Hazard alerts issued

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3.1.1.OHS Documents
All new documents produced by OH&S must be communicated to all staff via:
 An email to Safety Officers, Health & Safety representatives and OHS committee chairpersons;
 Local OHS committees via the Consultants’ report;
 The OH&S web site
 Major review to existing documents must be communicated to all staff via:
 An email to Safety Officers, Health & Safety representatives and OHS committee chairpersons;
and
 The document history in the document appendix; and/or
 Local OHS committees; and/or
 The OH&S web site.
 Minor reviews to existing documents do not need to be communicated to all staff.
3.1.2.OHS Notice boards
The following information must be communicated via OHS notice boards
 Names and contact details of the Designated Work Group’s elected Health & Safety
representatives and/or the area Safety Officer/s
 Names and contact details of First Aiders
 OHS Policy
 OHS Issue Resolution Procedures and
 If you are injured at work poster noting the contact details of Work Safe agent.
3.1.3.Other Methods of OHS Communication

The following OHS information and methods of communication should be used, as determined
appropriate to the needs of the organizational unit:
3.1.4.Electronic Communication via Email, Websites

Health and safety information should be circulated via email or posted on websites at:
 Organizational level;
 Faculty/divisional level and/or
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3.2. Role of designated OHS personnel
 Academic /administrative level
Emails and websites can be used to:
 Publicize new OHS policies and procedures and programs

 Consult the University community during the development of OHS policies and procedures
 Ask for feedback; and
 Alert the University community or the members of a particular academic/administrative unit to
OHS hazards.
3.1.5.Hazard and Incident Reports
Hazard and Incident information and statistics are communicated via the Occupational Health and
Safety progress, formulated and disseminated by OH&S. These reports provide an overview of reported
incidents and hazards and are shared at OHS committee meetings.
 OHS Responsibilities
Heads of Academic/Administrative units

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Heads of academic/administrative units are responsible for managing OHS in areas under their control to
ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, a healthy and safe environment for staff, students, and visitors.
These responsibilities include:
 Identifying, monitoring and communicating OHS legislative requirements within their unit
 leading by example in relation to OHS standards and the promotion of OHS awareness
 The risks associated with the activities of the unit are identified and managed effectively;
  Sufficient resources are allocated for OHS matters:
Local standards and practices comply with legislative requirements and University
procedures and guidelines
OHS is discussed regularly at meetings
3.2.1.Supervisors
 The responsibilities of supervisors include:
 Actively practicing and developing in their staff and students proper attitudes towards OHS
matters
 Controlling the risks associated with the work and study that they supervise using a documented
risk management process
 Implementing University and local OHS procedures and guidelines
 Ensuring that they, and the staff and students that they supervise, undertake mandatory and
recommended OHS training
 Participating in the investigation of reported incidents and hazards within the area they
supervise
 Actively participating in workplace OHS inspections and audits
 Discussing OHS performance as part of staff appraisals
3.2.2. Individuals (Staff Members, Students)

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Each staff member is responsible for ensuring that his or her own work or study environment and
practices reflect high OHS standards in order to protect their own health and safety as well as the health
and safety of others.
The responsibilities include:
 Complying with OHS policy, procedures and instructions

 Being familiar with emergency and evacuation procedures and complying with the instructions
given by emergency response personnel such as Emergency Wardens and First Aiders;
 Participating in meetings, training and other health and safety activities as required;
 Reporting hazards, near misses, injuries and incidents
 Using a documented risk management process to eliminate or minimize OHS risks where
appropriate
 Using and maintaining safety devices and personal protective equipment correctly
 Not willfully or recklessly endangering the health and safety of any person at the workplace.
3.2.3.Safety Officers
Safety Officers and deputy Safety Officers must:
 Be provided with sufficient time to address OHS issues

 Be provided with the resources and time to attend OHS training
 Be accessible to staff
 Have delegated authority to resolve OHS issues
 The responsibilities of the Safety Officer include:
 Providing advice, information, instruction and training on local OHS issues where appropriate
 Assisting with the formation and implementation of local OHS policies and procedures
 Assisting with the risk management of hazards and risks in the area
 Assisting with the investigation of hazard and incidents; and reporting all incidents, injuries,
hazards and near misses
 Liaising with OH&S and the head of academic/administrative unit when monitoring and
reviewing the department/school OHS legislative compliance
 Consulting with local Health & Safety Representatives on OHS issues
 Reviewing, analyzing and reporting of hazards and incident data
 Developing injury and incident prevention strategies for the academic/administrative unit
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3.3. Safety signs and symbols
 Monitoring compliance with organization OHS Policy and procedures at a local level, including
workplace inspections, building evacuations, induction and training needs of staff and students
 Participate in OHS audits as required
 Promoting University and local OHS programs and initiatives
3.3.1. Safety Symbols and Their Meanings

Takeaway: Everyone in the workplace should know how to read the symbols on safety signs.
Safety signs can be a tricky business. Some have words and a clear message, while many rely on
visual symbols to warn of potential danger. This is also an effective way to communicate potential
hazards – as long as workers understand what the symbols mean.
There are two different types of safety symbols: one refers to general safety protocols, while the
other is used specifically for labeling chemicals that may be hazardous. Since most workplaces have
a combination of both, it’s important to understand each of them.
Why Use Safety Symbols?
These pictures may not say a thousand words, but they are universally recognized symbols that
transcend language. No matter where you’re working, you’ll be able to understand the potential
hazards you face simply by looking at the posted symbols.
The best occupational health and safety programs use a series of signs and symbols to convey a
complete message. For example, a hazardous gas symbol may alert workers to the potential presence
of a harmful gas. But an accompanying sign mandating the use of a gas mask takes it a step further
by telling workers how to handle the hazard.
Signs and symbols are no substitute for training, but they do serve as important reminders. They can
be particularly helpful for workers who are not familiar with a specific area or process. A simple
sign with a safety symbol allows workers to efficiently identify the potential hazard and make an
immediate decision.
3.3. Key Types of Safety Symbols
Most safety signs and symbols fall into one of four categories:
 Prohibition
 Warning
 Mandatory
 Emergency

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Each category has its own specific color and sign shape that remains consistent around the world as
per safety regulations.
By getting to know the key characteristics of each type of symbol, you’ll be able to easily identify
whether a sign is asking you to stop doing something, start doing something, take precautions, or
advising you of emergency equipment or facilities.
Hazardous Chemicals Communication Standard
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) and Hazard Communication
Standard (HCS) align with and draw on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and
Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). Using this international system helps ensure consistency in the
classification of chemicals and the communication of hazard information on labels and safety data
sheets.
The system uses pictograms on labels to alert users of the chemical hazards they may be exposed to.
Every symbol consists of a black pictogram on a white background, framed by a red border. There
are nine different pictograms, each representing a different chemical hazard classification.
Health Hazard

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 Carcinogen  Irritant (skin and eye)
 Mutagenicity  Skin sensitizer
 Reproductive toxicity  Acute toxicity (harmful)
 Respiratory sensitizer  Narcotic effects
 Target organ toxicity  Respiratory tract irritant
 Aspiration toxicity  Hazardous to ozone layer
Flame
Gas Cylinder
 Flammables
 Pyrophorics  Gases under pressure
 Self-heating Corrosion
 Emits flammable gas
 Self-reactive
 Organic peroxides
Exclamation Mark
Version 1 March 2021

 Skin corrosion/burns  Oxidizers
 Eye damage Environment
 Corrosive to metals
Exploding Bomb
 Aquatic toxicity
Skull and Crossbones
 Explosives
 Self-reactives
 Organic peroxides
Flame Over Circle
 Acute toxicity (fatal or toxic)

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Which Signs and Symbols Are Appropriate for Your Workplace?
To know what symbols should be in your workplace, you’ll need to perform a
comprehensive risk assessment. Assessments should be conducted for each activity and at
each designated workspace to make sure you identify all potential hazards. Once you have
that information, you’ll know where workers will need safety reminders.
Note, however, that you might want to make sure the signs can be moved. After a while,
workers become so familiar with the safety signs that they start to just be part of the
background. To avoid this “sign blindness,” safety experts recommend switching up the
location of your signs every so often to keep the safety message top of mind (learn more in In
Sight, In Mind: Reinforcing Safety Policies and Procedures).
Conclusion
Safety signs and symbols exist to make identifying potential hazards easier. Keep things
simple by spreading signs out within an area to avoid clustering them. Too many signs
crammed together overwhelms workers with information and makes it less likely that they
pay careful attention.
And remember that safety signs only work if everyone understands them. Conduct regular
refresher training to ensure that every worker is familiar with the symbols and their
meanings.
In addition, employers obligations include the need to provide:

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Risk Assessment † provide and maintain safety signs where there is a risk to health and
safety, e.g. obstacles. Train staff to comprehend safety signs.
Pictorial Symbols † pictograms alone are acceptable but supplementary text, e.g. FIRE
EXIT, is recommended.
Fire/Emergency Escape Signs † A green square or rectangular symbol.

Positioning of signs † primarily for location of fire exits, fire equipment, alarms, assembly
points, etc. Not to be located where they could be obscured.
Marking of Hazardous Areas † to identify designated areas for storing dangerous substances:
Dangerous Substances (Notification and Marking of Sites) Regulations 1990. Yellow triangular
symbol.

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Ref. BS 5499-1: Graphical symbols and signs. Safety signs, including fire safety signs.
Specification for geometric shapes, colors and layout.

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3.4. Procedures and relevant authorities for reporting hazards,
 Safety Tips
1) If you are not sure…..ask.

2) Follow instructions and don’t take chances.
3) Wear your personal safety equipment.
4) Never operate equipment you have not been trained for.
5) Keep your work area clean.
6) Stay clear of forklifts while they are being operated.
7) Avoid injury by lifting correctly. If it’s heavy ask for help. Max weight to be lifted is
75lbs.

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8) Make sure the job can be done safely.
9) DO NOT unload a truck alone.
 Accident And Near Miss Reporting
The following protocol must be followed.
1) All employees must immediately report any occupational injury, accident or near miss to
the safety officer or their supervisor.
2) Supervisors must immediately tend to injuries and then report them to the safety officer.
3) Branch managers must immediately discuss the incident with the safety officer and
injured persons.
The purpose of this procedure is to comply with Occupational Health & Safety act, workers
compensation board and to determine the cause of the accident and make recommendations to
prevent further re-occurrence. All reports of injury must be filed.
 If an injury occurs a record must be kept and include the following:

a) Name of worker
b) Name and qualifications of person giving first aid
c) A description of illness or injury
d) The first aid given to the worker
e) The date and time the illness or injury
f) The date and time the illness or injury was reported
g) Where at the work side the incident occurred
h) The work-related cause of the incident, if any

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Self check-3
Test-I Matching
Instruction: select the correct answer for the give choice. You have given 1 Minute for each
question. Each question carries 5 Point.
A B
---------1. Communication A. Individuals in the workplace who have
been elected or appointed to specific
safety roles
---------2. Safety Personnel B.is responsible for posting or making
available OHS materials specified in this
procedure
---------4.management/ C.can save lives, reduce pain and help an
supervisor injured person make a quicker recovery
D.responsible for establishing a program
to communicate health and safety
information

Instruction: write short answer for the given question. You are provided 5 minute for each
question and each point has 10Points.
1.What is OHS documents?
2.Write communication processes?
3.What is Communication?
4.Write The following information must be communicated via OHS notice boards?

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Unit Four: OHS incident response procedures
This learning guide is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the
following content coverage and topics:
 procedures for responding to incidents and emergencies
 Basic emergency response
 Evacuation
 OHS personnel and authorities
 Emergency services
 procedures for first aid
 PPE requirements
 fire safety equipment
 Follow procedures for responding to incidents and emergencies
 Basic emergency response
 Identify Evacuation
 Follow OHS personnel and authorities
 Follow Emergency services procedures for first aid
 Apply PPE requirements
 Identify fire safety equipment

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1.1. Procedures for responding to incidents and
emergencies
What Safety Means:
1. Safety means a complete understanding of your work and knowledge of every

step that must be taken and the realization that mistakes could be costly to
yourself and to the company.
2. Safety means good judgment. Never rely on luck; always be prepared to cope
with unexpected situations and being alert when following your routine.
3. Safety means remembering the safety rules set up by your company and applying
them every minute when you are on the job.
 Factors that Contribute to the Occurrence of Accidents in the Construction Industry:
1. Fall from heights is the predominant causes of accidents

2. Lack of supervision for workers working at heights
3. Workers lack awareness on OSH
4. Workers have limited trainings
5. Due to lack of training, workers
a. Build improper temporary structures
b. Tolerate improperly guarded floors
c. Work with unstable/unsecured/scaffolds
6. Accident reports lack relevant information
7. Proper investigations are hardly conducted
 Direct Costs of Accidents
1. Emergency Medical Care

2. Equipment Damage of Material Spoilage
3. Compensation Payments

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4. Investigations of Legal Authority
5. Insurance Premiums
 Indirect Costs of Accidents
1. Injured Worker
 Lost productivity on day of injury
 Lost productivity due to follow – up care
 Lost productivity after returning to work
2. Worker’s Crew
 Complete added work
 Assisting injured worker
 Lost productivity due to inspection
3. Crew Around Accident Site
 Watching events and discussing accident
4. Training Replacement Worker
5. Supervisors
 Investing accident
 Preparing reports
 Time with management, owner or regulatory agencies
Leading Causes of Fatal Accidents in Construction Sites
1. Falls from Heights

 Temporary Structures
 Excavation
 Roof
 Moving Vehicle and Equipment
2. Excavation and Trench Work
 Cave – in
 Falling of persons, materials and equipment

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 Asphyxiation
3. Construction Machineries and Equipment
 Power Tools
 Woodworking Machines
 Heavy Machines
4. Cranes and Elevators
 Overloading
 Lifting and Carrying of Loads
 Erection and Dismantling
4.1.1.Evacuation
Excavation is defined as ground breaking or making trench in ground is called as excavation.
 Excavation Hazards:
1. Damage to underground facilities.
2. Personal, vehicle, equipment and materials falling inside excavation.
3. Cave-in, Soil collapse due to loose soil and heavy equipment moment.
4. Presence of toxic and flammable gases.
5. Injuries due to employees working very close to each other.
6. Expose of existing building foundation.

 Excavation safety Precautions:
1. Slit trench using shovel, Do not use pickaxe for slit trench.
2. Detection of underground facilities using metal or cable detector.
3. Trial excavation shall be carried out to ensure protection of underground facility before
mechanical excavation.
4. Adapting soil protection method like stepping, sloping, shoring and close sheeting.
5. If excavation reached more than 3 meter, shoring or close sheeting shall be done.

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6. Adequate barricade and excavation sign board.
7. Gas test inside excavation before job.
8. Temporary support shall be provided for existing foundations.
9. Adequate spacing between workers.
10. Ladder shall be positioned at least 1 meter above the landing level and is excavation
exceed 1.2 meter two access is required.
11. There should be at least two means of access for person working inside excavation if
walking distance is more than 7.5 meter.
12. Walkways across excavations should be made by scaffolding and jumping across
excavation is not allowed.
13. Excavated soil, materials, equipment shall maintained distance of 0.5 meter away from
the edge of excavation.
14. If engine driven equipment is using inside excavation; confined space conditions shall be
followed.
15. Signal man shall always be present with heavy equipment like excavator, dump truck,
and loader.
Types of Excavations:
1. Manual excavation – By shovel only.
2. Mechanical excavation – By excavator

 Excavation Authorization:
Excavation Authorization is require to identify and safe guard underground facilities such as pipe
lines and cable etc. it is required for excavation deep more than half meter. After checking the
drawing, site conditions and the effect on existing underground facilities.
Excavation authorization sign by:

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1. Operations shift supervisor/asses custodian.
2. Instrument engineer.
3. Electrical engineer.
4. Corrosion engineer.
5. Telecommunication engineer.
6. Chief fire officer.
7. General work engineer.
8. Civil engineer.
9. Safety engineer.
Excavations more than 1.2 meters require confined space entry authorization and gas test shall be
done prior to job.
 *Excavation authorization need as per KNPC safe work practices
 Excavator requirements:
1. Valid construction license is required for operator.
2. A Hot Work Permit in addition to an Excavation Authorization is require for the use of
excavators.
3. Valid safety certificates.
4. Excavator operator has to be aware of blind spots where they may not see ground
personnel.
5. Certified signal man / flag man with flags.
6. Personnel should not be inside the excavation while excavator in operation
7. Excavator operator shall be aware from blind spot.
8. The bucket shall always be lower to ground when not in use.

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9. Two numbers of DCP fire extinguisher.
10. No hydraulic leakage.
11. Spark arrestor.

 Excavation edge Protection System:
1 .Shoring
2 .Stepping or benching
3. Sloping
4. Sheet Pilling
Shoring

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Stepping or benching
Sloping

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Sheet Pilling
Identifying hazards and the outcomes of risk assessment and control procedures
 Hazard Identification Process:
1. Assemble the people that will be involved

2. Discuss possible hazards with employees
3. If practical, tour the entire operation
4. Hazards can be physical, chemical, biological or psycho-social
5. Look for possible hazards originating with people, equipment, material or the
environment
6. Consider consequences of mis-use, lack of maintenance, error, etc. Keep asking “What
if?”
7. Determine all items that need attention and any additional items
8. Review the findings
9. Rank the items on a “worst first” basis
10. Develop the necessary hazard control practices/procedures
4.1.2. OHS procedures

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These may also be described as safe work procedures. These need to cover what needs to be
done when carrying out tasks that may have risks or when working in a hazardous environment.
For example, when cleaning an extracting room floor, an OHS procedure would explain:
 the purpose of the task and associated possible hazards

 who is to carry out the task and any special training or other requirements that they must
meet
 the equipment needed to carry out the task and how it should be used
 what chemicals can be used and any safety precautions that need to be followed for those
chemicals
 how to safely deal with excess water, for example by using a squeegee or mop or ‘sweep’
the excess water towards the drainage point in the floor
 requirement to place hazard warning signs to alert others to the hazard of excess water
 Emergency procedures to be followed (e.g. washing out chemicals on skin or eyes).
 Three common OHS procedures are:
 Emergency procedures
 First aid procedures
 Accident/near miss and hazard reporting procedures.

4.1.1. Emergency response procedures
1. Emergency situations are identified and reported according to workplace reporting
requirements
2. Emergency procedures are followed as appropriate to the nature of the emergency and
according to workplace procedures
3. Workplace procedures for dealing with accidents, fires and emergencies are followed
whenever necessary within scope of responsibilities
4. Means of contacting the appropriate personnel and emergency services in the event of an
accident are properly demonstrated according to the procedure.
5. Persons or services to be contacted in the event of a range of accidents and means of
communication with emergency personnel are listed (burns, poisons, broken limbs, eye
accidents, spills, explosions, falls, electrical accidents and so on).

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6. Emergency and evacuation procedure is understood and carried out when required.
Promptly make transportation available to an appropriate medical facility
7. Emergency and evacuation procedures are demonstrated as required according to the
given evacuation procedures.
8. Company evacuation procedures are followed in case of an emergency according to the
given evacuation procedures
9. promptly provide to the victim and medical personnel:
Product name, registration number, and active ingredients.
All first aid and medical information form label
Description of how the pesticide was used
 Emergency procedures
Every workplace should have procedures to deal with emergencies.
Emergencies may include:
 fire
 chemical spill
 explosion
 Flooding
 armed hold-up
In most cases an emergency will mean the workplace has to be evacuated. Most organizations
will have some sort of evacuation plan, especially if the public access the building. You are
likely to find evacuation plans displayed somewhere highly visible, such as a bulletin board, or
as a sign on the wall.
Evacuation plans should describe:
 How you are alerted to an evacuation, e.g. alarm or announcement
 How to evacuate the building, e.g. not using lifts, how to find your nearest exit
 Where to evacuate to, and who to report to so they know you are out of the building.

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4.2. Procedures for first aid.
 First aid
A building site should have a first aid box which as minimum contents: -
 Plasters;
 Bandages;
 Ointments;
 Disinfectant.
Someone on site should be in charge of the box and know how to with broken bones, burns and
electric shocks.
Basic Safety and Health Principles

Employers can reduce injuries resulting from handling and storing materials by
using some basic safety procedures such as adopting sound ergonomics practices,
taking general fire safety precautions, and keeping aisles and passageways clear.

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First aid is the initial help given by a qualified first aid attendant to an injured or sick person.
First aid treats injury, prevents further injury and promotes recovery. Most workplaces will have
at least one first aid kit, and a trained first aider.
First aid can save lives, reduce pain and help an injured person make a quicker recovery. The
Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations require you to provide adequate and appropriate
equipment, facilities and personnel to enable first aid to be given to your employees if they are
injured or become ill at work. The minimum provision for all sites is:
■ A first aid box with enough equipment to cope with the number of workers on site;
■ An appointed person to take charge of first-aid arrangements;
■ Information telling workers the name of the appointed person or first aider and where to find
them. A notice in the site hut is a good way of doing this.
An appointed person is someone you choose to take charge when someone is injured or falls ill
and who will telephone for an ambulance if one is required. An appointed person should not
attempt to give first aid for which they have not been trained.
The first-aid arrangements should cover shift working, night and weekend working where this
is carried out. This may mean appointing or training several people to ensure adequate cover.
 Accident/near miss and hazard reporting procedures
Many organizations will have procedures to report accident/near misses and hazards in the
workplace. Near misses are accidents that do not produce an injury or disease, and are ‘warning
signs’ of an accident to come.
If an injury occurs a record must be kept and include the following:
a) Name of worker
b) Name and qualifications of person giving first aid
c) A description of illness or injury
d) The first aid given to the worker

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4.3. PPE requirements
e) The date and time the illness or injury
f) The date and time the illness or injury was reported
g) Where at the work side the incident occurred
h) The work-related cause of the incident, if any
Note: PPE should only be used as a last resort after considering all other control methods. PPE
can also be used to protect against any residual risks that remain after other control methods have
been employed.
All PPE clothing and equipment should be of safe design and construction, and should be
maintained in a clean and reliable fashion. Employers should take the fit and comfort of PPE into
consideration when selecting appropriate items for their workplace. PPE that fits well and is
comfortable to wear will encourage employee use of PPE. Most protective devices are available
in multiple sizes and care should be taken to select the proper size for each employee. If several
different types of PPE are worn together, make sure they are compatible. If PPE does not fit
properly, it can make the difference between being safely covered or dangerously exposed. It
may not provide the level of protection desired and may discourage employee use.
 Selecting and checking PPE
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is used to protect an individual from hazards associated
with their work tasks or environment. Specific types of personal protective equipment include
protective clothing, eyewear, respiratory devices, protective shields, gloves, and hearing
protection.
Protective equipment that must be available
These include:
 Rubber gloves or leather gloves

 Overalls.
 Face shields.

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1.2. Fire safety
equipment
 Face mask and ear protectors
 Steel capped boots/shoes
 sunscreen lotion
Employers are required to train each employee who must use PPE. Employees must be trained to
know at least the following:
 When PPE is necessary

 What PPE is necessary?
 How to properly put on, take off, adjust and wear the PPE.
 The limitations of the PPE.
 Proper care, maintenance, useful life and disposal of PPE.
Employers should make sure that each employee demonstrates an understanding of the PPE
training as well as the ability to properly wear and use PPE before they are allowed to perform
work requiring the use of the PPE. If an employer believes that a previously trained employee is
not demonstrating the proper understanding and skill level in the use of PPE, that employee
should receive retraining. Other situations that require additional or retraining of employees
include the following circumstances: changes in the workplace or in the type of required PPE
that make prior training obsolete. The employer must document the training of each employee
required to wear or use PPE by preparing a certification containing the name of each employee
trained, the date of training and a clear identification of the subject of the certification.
 Fire
 Use of firefighting equipment
Fire is a form of a chemical reaction that involves the rapid oxidation of combustible fuel
(material) with the subsequent liberation of heat and light.

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Figure 2.1 firefighting equipment
Many solids, liquids and gases can catch fire and burn. It only takes a source of ignition, which
may be a small flame or an electrical spark, together with air. Any outbreak of fire threatens the
health and safety of those on site and will be costly
in damage and delay. It can also be a hazard to people in surrounding properties. Fire can be a
particular hazard in refurbishment work when there is a lot of dry timber and at the later stages of
building jobs where flammable materials such as adhesives, insulating materials and soft
furnishings are present.
Many fires can be avoided by careful planning and control of work activities. Good
housekeeping and site tidiness are important not only to prevent fire, but also to ensure that
emergency routes do not become obstructed. Making site rules can hel
Precautions to prevent fires

The following precautions should be taken to prevent fires:
 use less-easily ignited and fewer flammable materials, eg use water-based or low-solvent
adhesives and paint;
 keep the quantity of flammables at the workplace to a minimum;
 always keep and carry flammable liquids in suitable closed containers;
 if work involving the use of flammable materials is being carried out, stop people
smoking and don’t allow other work activities involving potential ignition sources to take
place nearby. For example, if floor coverings are being laid

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 using solvent-based adhesives, don’t allow soldering of pipes at the same time;
 ensure that pipes, barrels, tanks etc which may have contained flammable gases or liquids
are purged or otherwise made safe before using hot cutting equipment, such as a cutting
torch or angle grinder. A pipe or container may appear to be empty, but can contain
enough material on its sides, or within rust or other sediments, to produce a flammable or
explosive atmosphere within it when heated or disturbed. Specialist advice may be
required;
 to minimize the risk of gas leaks and fires involving gas-fired plant:
– close valves on gas cylinders when not in use;
– regularly check hoses for wear and leaks;
– prevent oil or grease coming into contact with oxygen cylinder valves;
– do not leave bitumen boilers unattended when alight;
 store flammable solids, liquids and gases safely. Separate them from each other and from
oxygen cylinders or oxidizing materials. Keep them in ventilated secure stores or an
outdoor storage area. Do not store them in or under occupied work areas or where they
could obstruct or endanger escape routes;
 have an extinguisher to hand when doing hot work such as welding or using a disc cutter
that produces sparks;
 check the site at lunch time and at the end of the day to see that all plant
 And equipment that could cause a fire is turned off. Stop hot working an hour before
people go home, as this will allow more time for shouldering fires to be identified; and
 Provide closed metal containers to collect rubbish and remove them from the site
regularly. Collect highly flammable waste such as solvent-soaked rags separately in
closed fire-resisting containers.
 Precautions in case of fire

If a fire should break out, people must be able to escape from it. To achieve this consider the
points in paragraphs 87-93.
Means of giving warning

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Set up a system to alert people on site; this could be a temporary or permanent mains operated
fire alarm (which should be tested regularly, eg weekly), a klaxon, an air horn or a whistle,
depending on the size and complexity of the site.
Any warning needs to be distinctive, audible above other noise and recognisable by everyone.
Means of escape
Plan escape routes and ensure they remain available and unobstructed.
For work areas above or below ground, provide well separated alternative ways to ground level
where possible. Protect routes by installing the permanent fire separation and fire doors as soon
as possible. It is important that escape routes give access to a safe place where people can
assemble and be accounted for. In a large chemical plant this may be a safety refuge, while on a
small site the pavement outside may be adequate. Signs will be needed if people are not familiar
with the escape routes (see Figure 7). Make sure that adequate lighting is provided for enclosed
escape routes – emergency lighting may be required (see paragraph 78);
Figure An example of an emergency exit sign
Means of fighting fire

As well as providing fire extinguishers for hot work, fire extinguishers should be located at
identified fire points around the site. The extinguishers should be appropriate to the nature of the

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potential fire:
 wood, paper and cloth – water extinguisher;

 flammable liquids – dry powder or foam extinguisher;
 electrical – carbon dioxide (CO ) extinguisher.2
Nominated people should be trained in how to use extinguishers.
If the building being worked in is occupied (eg an office, hotel or hospital), make sure the work
does not interfere with the escape route from the building, or any
fire separation, alarms, dry risers, or sprinkler systems. Check this with the building occupier or
the Fire Brigade.
Fire doors should never be locked, left open or removed. Keep existing wet and dry risers ready
for use and install any new ones as soon as possible.
Self check-4
Test-I Matching
A B
---------1. Excavation G. is used to protect an individual from
hazards associated with their work tasks

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or environment
---------2. First aid H. mean the workplace has to be evacuated
---------3. Fire I. defined as ground breaking or making
trench in ground is called as excavation
---------4. (PPE) J. can save lives, reduce pain and help an
injured person make a quicker recovery
---------5. Emergency K. is a form of a chemical reaction that
involves the rapid oxidation of
combustible fuel (material) with the
subsequent liberation of heat and light
5. What is a Chemical hazard?
6. Write Hazard identification process ?
7. What is emergency ?
8. Write Excavation hazard ?
9. Write Emergency procedures?
Reference

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Participants of this Module (training material) preparation
No Name Qualification Field of Organizatio Mobile E-mail
(Level) Study n/ number
Institution
1 Seblewengel Bekele A(MSC) Con Mgt Bishoftu 0934916466 Seblewengelb4@gmail.co
2 Derbabaw Mulaw A(MSC) Con Mgt Gonder 0967593066 Derbabawmulaw2020@

gmil.com
3 Tibebnesh G/ Micael A(MSC) Con Mgt Awasa 0916116033 Tibebnesh1 @ gmil.com
4 Habtamu Civi.engneering Ethio Italy 09482844573 wendimagegnhabtamu@
Wendimagegn poly gmil.com
5 Remedan Mohammed Con Mgt Harar poly 0974720826 mohammedremedan82@
gmil.com

M01 Safely in Construction

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M01 Safely in Construction

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Structural construction work

Module Title: Working Safely in the Construction

Version 1 March 2021

Acronym..............................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.

Introduction to the Module............................................................................................6

Unit Two: construction hazards and control measures.........................................27

Unit Three: OHS communication and reporting processes..................................38

Unit Four: OHS incident response procedures........................................................54

Page 3 of 74 Ministry of Labor and Working Safely in the Construction Version -1

Page 4 of 74 Ministry of Labor and Working Safely in the Construction Version -1

OSH.............................Occupational safety and health

Page 5 of 74 Ministry of Labor and Working Safely in the Construction Version -1

 OHS legislative requirements

 construction hazards and control measures

 OHS communication and reporting processes

 OHS incident response procedures

 follow construction hazards and control measures

 Identify OHS communication and reporting processes

 Identify OHS incident response procedures

Page 6 of 74 Ministry of Labor and Working Safely in the Construction Version -1

Page 7 of 74 Ministry of Labor and Working Safely in the Construction Version -1

1.1. OHS work instruction

Page 8 of 74 Ministry of Labor and Working Safely in the Construction Version -1

1.1.2. Health and Safety representatives

Page 10 of 74 Ministry of Labor and Working Safely in the Construction Version -1

The legislation gives your three rights:

Your Right To Know

What to do in a fire or other emergency;

First aid facilities;

Prohibited or restricted areas;

Workplace hazards; and

Any other information you should know.

You must also be supervised closely by a competent supervisor

Your Right To Participate

Page 11 of 74 Ministry of Labor and Working Safely in the Construction Version -1

Committees Have Duties To:

Regularly inspect the workplace;

Conduct accident investigations;

Deal with the Health and Safety concerns of employees;

Investigate refusals to work;

Your Right to Refuse

A danger which is not normal for your occupation or the job

To exercise this right, use the following guidelines.

Page 12 of 74 Ministry of Labor and Working Safely in the Construction Version -1

1.1.3. Safe work practice

What are workplace hazards?

What are workplace hazards?

Page 13 of 74 Ministry of Labor and Working Safely in the Construction Version -1

 Person with control of construction work

1.1.6. OHS and Welfare Acts and regulations

Page 15 of 74 Ministry of Labor and Working Safely in the Construction Version -1

1.1.7. Safety Codes of practice

Page 16 of 74 Ministry of Labor and Working Safely in the Construction Version -1

1) Ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to prevent accidents.

Page 17 of 74 Ministry of Labor and Working Safely in the Construction Version -1

1. Ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to prevent accidents.

Page 18 of 74 Ministry of Labor and Working Safely in the Construction Version -1

Access to site amenities, such as drinking water and toilets

General requirements for safe use of plant and equipment

General requirements for use of personal protective equipment and clothing

Housekeeping to ensure a clean, tidy and safer work area

No drugs and alcohol at work

Preventing bullying and harassment

Smoking in designated areas